About Shield Down

Founder John Kelty formed Shield Down alongside his founding Board of Directors (all members of the elite Crash & Salvage team Kelty served with on the USS Eisenhower), and their CFO and Secretary, in the summer of 2024, with conviction that they would serve veterans and the families of fallen service members as well as they deserve.

After facing challenges of his own, as well as having a front row seat to that of those he served with, it brought about a sobering realization of a new battlefield…life after service. Oftentimes veterans, widows and children are left in vulnerable positions, unsure of what next step to take, or where to turn to. As such, Shield Down was born…an organization to help the vulnerable rise from the ashes and find renewed hope.

Kelty, having served on the Crash & Salvage team of the U.S.S. Dwight D. Eisenhower, reminds us of a firm Crash Crew rule, that no sailor enters an emergency scene alone, nor do they exit alone, often repeating the rally cry of “two-in two-out!” With that, some of his most trustworthy brothers-in-arms from his time in the U.S. Navy have raised their hand to come alongside and serve again, on the founding Board of Directors (BoD) for Shield Down, and the team here at Shield Down is here to move lock-step with you.

Shield Down is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that provides peer-to-peer coaching, mentorship, and support to veterans. Shield Down also provides grants and support to widows and children of fallen service-members. Our peer-to-peer coaching program is designed to address the unique challenges faced by veterans, and point them in the direction that leads to fulfillment and contentment; whether that is in work, faith, social, or other elements of life. Our grant program for widows and children of fallen service members is designed to alleviate the burdens and stress that living in a single income household brings, that with that one-time financial assistance they too are able to pursue a fulfilled and content life with a tangible reminder that their fallen loved one’s legacy matters and is alive and well.

We are guided by our core values of Faith, Respect, Integrity, and Courage. Join us in our mission.

Together we fight! Together we find hope!